Talisman Coins and the Perth Mint are excited to announce the first release in the exciting new Dragons of Legend Series, the Welsh Red Dragon! These legendary creatures have captivated mankind's imagination since prehistory, with the origins of the Dragon lost in the mists of time. Certainly, they were known to the ancients - Greeks, Romans, Jews and Chinese all had their versions, and of course it was a dragon the finally slew Beowulf, the hero of Germanic myth. The Dragons of Legend were designed by renowned fine artist and illustrator Howard David Johnson, in the realistic style for which he is famed the world over! Following hot on the heels of the immensely successful Working Dogs and Wildlife in Need programs, this extremely low mintage series (only 5,000 per dragon!) will likewise undoubtably sell out, and quickly! Between the extremely popular dragon motif, beautiful design and mintage limit, heed our advice - get one (or more) of these colorful, one ounce, puresilver dollars while you can!

Availability Note - The dragon is perhaps the most popular theme in modern numismatics. This coin sold out at the Mint in under 24 hours! Fast action is advised!

The Welsh Red Dragon, National Symbol of Wales The Red Dragon of Wales is rooted in Celtic mythology. Although most stories of dragons focus on their evil nature, the red dragon is a protector of the Welsh people. The red dragon emblem was probably introduced into Britain by the Romans. Accounts suggest that when the legions departed, Welsh Britons under the red dragon fought Saxon invaders. This entered Arthurian legend where Myrddin (the boy wizard Merlin), employed by Gwrtheyrn, had a vision of the red dragon (representing the Romano-Celtic Britons) and the white dragon (representing the invading Saxons) fighting beneath Dinas Emrys. This particular legend also features in the Mabinogion in the story of Lludd and Llefelys. The legendary house of Pendragon and Celtic Britain in general have become associated with the Welsh dragon standard.

History tells us that Welsh-born King Henry VII flew a red dragon standard during the Wars of the Roses, and that it subsequently appeared in the Tudor Royal Arms as a supporter in the English crown's coat of arms (one of two supporters, along with the traditional English lion). After centuries of powerful association, the red dragon (or Y Ddraig Goch) became the official symbol of Wales in 1901, and since 1959 it has adorned the national flag. A noble and fearsome beast, the red dragon is often seen as a shorthand for all things Welsh, being used by many public and private institutions in Wales.

Technology NoteThe Perth Mint of Australia employs its own proprietary colorization technology, in which the color is actually sealed on the coin. The vibrant hues and precise execution of the technology create a stunning, full-color portrait on each coin.

Obverse A full color portrait of a Red Welsh Dragon, in the craggy mountains it calls home. The legends DRAGONS OF LEGEND and RED WELSH DRAGON denote the theme, while the legend 1 OZ 999 SILVER guarantees the weight and purity.

Reverse Her Majesty, Queen Elizabeth II of England, in crowned profile facing right. This portrait, featuring Her Majesty wearing a tiara and pearl earrings, was executed by the sculptor Ian Rank-Broadley. The legend QUEEN ELIZABETH II and denomination also appear.

Packaging The coin is encapsulated inside a black leatherette, clamshell-style presentation case, lined with black velvet and satin, and protected by a full-color outer box. An individually-numbered certificate of authenticity is included.

Specifications

Country

Tuvalu

Mint

Perth Mint of Australia

Year of Issue

2012

Face Value

One Dollar

Weight

31.135 g

Diameter

40.60 mm

Gauge (Thickness)

4.00 mm

Mintage Limit

5,000

Finish

Proof with Color

Composition

.999 Fine (Pure) Silver

Edge

Reeded (milled, serrated)

Artist

Howard David Johnson (obverse) Ian Rank-Broadley (reverse)

Certificate

Individually Numbered

The Island Nation of Tuvalu

Tuvalu, formerly known as the Ellice Islands, is a Polynesian island nation located in the Pacific Ocean midway between Hawaii and Australia. Its nearest neighbors are Kiribati, Samoa and Fiji. It is comprised of four reef islands and five true atolls. Its population of 11,992 makes it the third-least populated independent country in the world, with only Vatican City and Nauru having fewer inhabitants. It is also the second-smallest member by population of the United Nations. In terms of physical land size, at just 10 square miles Tuvalu is the fourth smallest country in the world, larger only than the Vatican City, Monaco and Nauru.

The first inhabitants of Tuvalu were Polynesian people, who arrived about 3000 years go. The islands came under Great Britain's sphere of influence in the late 19th century. The Ellice Islands were administered by Britain as part of a protectorate from 1892 to 1916 and as part of the Gilbert and Ellice Islands Colony from 1916 to 1974. In 1974 the Ellice Islanders voted for separate British dependency status as Tuvalu, separating from the Gilbert Islands which became Kiribati upon independence. Tuvalu became fully independent within The Commonwealth in 1978. with Queen Elizabeth II as titular head of state.

Because Tuvalu has few natural resources it has been dependent in recent years upon aid from larger, more developed nations, including Australia, New Zealand and the United States. The Perth Mint of Australia is officially commissioned by the government of Tuvalu to produce legal tender coinage for the island nation.